Archived slides of cell smears treated with histological stains for sperm detection are often the only source of DNA available when cold cases are reopened. There have been conflicting reports as to the negative effects of particular histological stains on DNA recovery and quality from human cells, making stain selection an important consideration for forensic laboratories. In the current study, DNA profiles obtained after analysis of the samples with AmpFlSTR Identifiler and increased cycle AmpFlSTR SGM Plus short tandem repeat (STR) profiling systems and the effects that these stains have on DNA quantity and quality over time are described. Results indicate that Christmas Tree and Hematoxylin and Eosin stains do not have significantly different effects on DNA quality after 10-week storage of slides. This research will assist scientists to select staining systems that have minimal deleterious effects on the DNA recovered. (Published Abstract)